//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Friendship Is Magic, Part 1 // Story: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 1 // by Wrekferno //------------------------------// Two weeks later… Twilight’s P.O.V: Today was a beautiful day in Canterlot, the great capitol city of Equestria. The sun shone light down on the city and ponies went about their day doing their own things. My thing is sitting next to a tree outside reading a book from my library. I simply know what I want to get done today since I planned everything in my schedule. The book I chose to read is titled “Legends of Equestria”. It tells the stories of Equestria’s past on historical figures, ancient ruins, mythological creatures, magical artifacts, etc. All of this research is found over a thousand years prior from today. Nearly most ponies have forgotten or never learned these tales today, but I am not one of those ponies. I wanted to brush up on my history so I can be ready for whatever test may come my way. Once I sat down, I searched for a story that I haven’t read yet. I soon came across one of the final stories called “The Two Sisters”. I was intrigued at what it was about and so dove right in and lost myself in the story. “Once upon a time in the magical land of Equestria,” I read out loud to myself, “There were two regal sisters who ruled together and brought harmony throughout the land. To do this, the eldest used her alicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all different types of ponies.” This story is truly wonderful for how similar Equestria was from now. However, this story still continues. I began to think that I should write down notes about the subject in the book. “As time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger alicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her but the bitterness in the young one’s heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon!” “She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponykind: The Elements of Harmony! Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently on the moon. The elder sister took over responsibility of both sun and moon; and harmony has maintained Equestria for generations since.” Wow. As I finished reading the tale, I soon began to think about the magic the elder sister used to defeat Nightmare Moon. “The Elements of Harmony,” I began to talk to myself,” I know I’ve heard of those before but where?” I thought to myself that the library in the castle probably has the answer I am currently looking for. I then pack my book into my saddlebag and quickly made my way there. No pony is allowed into the castle unless they come for any special event or occasion; or need to speak important matters to Princess Celestia. Yes. Princess Celestia. The alicorn ruler of Equestria and my own mentor. She taught me the ways of magic ever since I was a little filly. *As soon as Twilight made her way to her tower, she called out to her assistant Spike. She soon found him dazed on the floor in a pile of books. Spike is a purple bipedal baby dragon with green spines. He was like that because Twilight accidentally swung the door open on him. Twilight needed Spike to write a letter to Princess Celestia immediately about the story she just read, fearing that it may be true and Nightmare Moon will return to Equestria tonight during the Summer Sun Celebration after her one thousand year imprisonment. Spike sent the letter right away via magical dragon fire. She waited for a quick response from the princess and finally received it when Spike belched out the letter. However, it was not the response Twilight was expecting. Princess Celestia wrote to Twilight that she must stop reading old stories because they might mess with her mind. So, she sent Twilight to the town of Ponyville to check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration and, to Twilight’s discomfort, make some friends. Not wanting to deny the princess’ new assignment for her, Twilight was soon escorted there via royal carriage with Spike. Acrylic’s P.O.V: I have been getting used to Ponyville for two weeks now and I am still finding surprises. My new friends were all so great to me, even though it took me a long time to get to know them more. Applejack lives and works on Ponyville’s very own apple orchard called Sweet Apple Acres. Her family has owned that land for generations. They harvest, grow, and sell apples for the townsfolk to enjoy. These ponies can make apple pies, apple cider, caramel apples, and more. Applejack’s very own Granny Smith is the current head owner of Sweet Apple Acres and matriarch of the family. Applejack is very strong and very honest to everypony. Fluttershy lives in a cottage at the edge of town with her animal friends. She does not appear to be very shy in front of animals compared to ponies including me and our friends. Fluttershy is just a kind and gentle soul. I just know that she is brave on the inside. Rainbow Dash is somepony who is a real daredevil in the skies. Her awesome flying skills can get an athletic thestral a run for their money. She always had a dream of joining Equestria’s Pegasus squad called the Wonderbolts. If I need Dash for any help, I know she will come and have my back. Pinkie Pie is just the energetic, outgoing, cheerful pony I would want to have fun with. Whenever I felt down or homesick even, she would always try to put a smile on my face and succeed in doing so. As for Rarity, she makes the most beautiful clothes I have ever seen. She is just as artistic and creative as I am. I volunteer to help her with anything at her shop and she would pay me a gem every time I do. Even though I gratefully find that unnecessary, Rarity is just that generous to ponies. These girls are not only what I did not expect, but also what I wished for. I was still putting together my new home/art studio while helping Rarity with the decorations for the celebration or new dresses and accessories. I used the money I earned from Rarity to begin working on the exterior designs of the building. First, I gave the front outer wall a fresh coat of white paint and had Rainbow Dash help me coat it in a fixative layer in order to protect the paint from the elements. The image it displayed was the stunning colors of both dawn and dusk, with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna positioned at either end like the old days. Between them lay the beautiful landscape of Equestria, with every type of pony I could think of positioned somewhere in between. The traditional earth pony, unicorn and pegasus were stationed dead center, standing dutifully in the middle of it all. Off in a river I added a sea pony, and a hippogriff at the top of a mountain. You can barely notice the mythical breezies amongst the flowery meadow. They have the appearances of tiny ponies with butterfly wings only thought to exist in legends. I have never seen any of these creatures myself but the stories told about them made me visualize what they would be like. Finally, disguised back in the far reaches of the Everfree, I even camouflaged a thestral. Although I doubted anypony would notice. It was a risky move, but I couldn’t resist. Every pony marveled at my work, and my five new closest friends in particular offered praise that made me feel like I was flying. Speaking of flying, I was developing a problem. My disguise kept trying to give out on me. Suddenly, I would get the sudden urge to grow my wings back out. It was not voluntary, but occasionally, they just sprouted. I call it a “wing spring.” Whenever I got the sensation, I had to excuse myself and run a find a private spot to hide out until it had run its course. It typically occurred once or twice a day, and once at night while I was asleep. This made life particularly difficult for me. On top of that, I was feeling the effects of staying on the ground for so long. I missed the sky, and longed to jump back up to soar among the clouds. I wasn’t sure how much more I could take. Maybe a quick night flight wouldn’t hurt every now and then. Before I knew it, the Summer Sun Celebration was upon us. Rarity had postponed one too many decorating days, and we had to pull long hours the day before to move the banners from her boutique to the rest of Ponyville. Still, it was getting done, and we’d be on time. There hadn’t been much talking going on today, which was unusual for Rarity. She was too focused. “No, no, no, goodness, no!” she said again and again. I heard hoofsteps, and noted that she had a new visitor. For once, she was paying her customers no mind as she sorted through the adornments for the banners. “Good afternoon,” the purple unicorn began. She had a darker purple mane and tail, streaked with pink and both were currently frazzled as though she had just lived through a tornado. Her cutie mark displayed a pink six-pointed star surrounded by smaller pricks of light. Her purple eyes were kind yet businesslike as she spoke. This mare was accompanied by a baby dragon who must be her assistant. “Oh, Acrylic, could you get that, please! I’m a little busy at the moment.” “You got it, Rarity. How can I help you?” I turned my attention to her customer, doing my best not to stare at her wind-matted mane. “I was actually hoping to speak with Rarity about the decorations,” she said, “…uhh?” “Acrylic,” I hold out my hoof for her to shake and she kindly did. “Twilight Sparkle.” “Rarity will be with you in a moment.” I set myself to work with another banner in an attempt to keep from staring. “Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help y-OH!” She squealed upon looking her visitor over. “Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?” “Oh, you mean my mane? It’s a long story, but I’m just here to check on the decorations, and then I’ll be out of your hair.” “My hair? But what about your hair?” Rarity instantly abandoned her work and dragged Twilight out the door. “Wait, where are we going? Help!” The young dragon followed them in a rather dazed state. I also put down my ribbons and joined them to see what I could catch of the conversation. As it turned out, Rarity had brought Twilight to the boutique. I learned that the latter’s dragon assistant’s name is Spike. He had not taken his eyes off of Rarity the second he first met her. If I didn’t know any better, I think Spike might have a big crush on her. However, I did not say anything about it to spare his feelings. Besides, Rarity’s usual chit chatter hadn’t allowed me to say much else anyway. I was instantly put to work by Rarity to go fetch different clothing items for Twilight, as I had come to know the shop quite well. While I had procured everything she told me to, none of the outfits were accepted. Luckily, Rarity’s makeover had included hairstyling, and Twilight’s windblown mane returned to normal. It was kept straight, and cropped so perfectly that it looked recently cut, though by the split ends I could tell she needed one soon. “No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too… shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you’re from.” Rarity was putting poor Twilight through all of the costumes in an attempt to find her one that would suit her. I assumed she wanted to welcome Twilight with some accessory as she had me. Now she tried tightening a corset that barely allowed Twilight to breathe. “I’ve… been sent… from Canterlot… to…” “Huh? Canterlot? Oh, I am so envious! The glamor, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can’t wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I. Well, you, me and Acrylic of course.” Rarity had come to think of us as best friends, even closer than our group of six. She had scooted closer to Twilight, but then made the mistake of looking down on her work. “Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!” Rarity dashed off in search of the desired outfit. “You’ll have to forgive her. She likes dressing up models when she’s stressed. I’ll go make sure she doesn’t pick out something too… extravagant.” I trotted off to find Rarity among the sea of clothes. I’d seen a dress I personally thought would look great on Twilight, so I took it off the rack and tried to talk to Rarity out of the excessive ball gown dappled in the red gems. By the time we got back, we found her and Spike to have disappeared anyway. “Oh, dear,” Rarity fretted. “Do you think it was something I said?” Spike’s P.O.V: Twilight grabbed me and ran right out of the boutique as soon as those two ponies were in another room. Twilight always stays on task. My only regret is that I didn’t even get to say goodbye to that beautiful unicorn Rarity. There is something about her amazing beauty, her sweet, high-class voice and her sophisticating yet ordinary personality that make me feel that I am truly flying with wings. I just hope that I will see her again. Oh yeah, I guess that Acrylic is alright too. Heard she is an artist, a good one too. Anyway, we were still checking preparations for the Celebration and met Fluttershy who was teaching birds to sing for the Celebration. She appeared to be so shy towards Twilight that she was afraid to speak up saying her name. But as soon as she saw me, Fluttershy was suddenly optimistic, outgoing and wondrous about seeing a baby dragon for the first time in her life. She even pushed Twilight out of the way to meet me. We began to talk as we made our way to the Golden Oaks Library, much to Twilight’s frustration. The Golden Oaks Library has not been open for years because the librarian who lived there passed away. She was much liked. It was also where Twilight and I are staying for the night since the mayor gave us her consent on the behalf of Princess Celestia. The structure was a huge, old, lively oak tree hallowed out so ponies can walk right inside and find any book they can find. It had two sections of the tree where the books were kept, two balconies; one of which had a telescope, a downstairs kitchen, an upstairs bedroom, a bathroom and a basement. We finally arrived as I finished telling Fluttershy the story of my whole entire life up to today. I was getting ready to tell her when Twilight so rudely interrupted us. “I’m so sorry. How did we get here so fast?” Twilight continued, “This is where we will be staying in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep.” “No I don’t… Ahhh!” She just threw me right off her back! What the hay was that for!?! Not cool, Twi. “Aww! Look at that. He’s so sleepy he can’t even keep his ‘wh-ittle ba-wh-ance.’” Twilight just faced Fluttershy with a wide grin upon her face, hoping she would go away. Unfortunately for her, she did not. “Poor dear. We simply must get him to bed,” Fluttershy said as she scooped me up and flew me inside. I got to say it felt nice. However, Twilight again intervened by pushing Fluttershy out and told her good night before closing the door on her. It was pitch black inside I couldn’t see anything. “Huh. Rude much?” “Sorry, Spike,” Well, at least she said sorry. “But I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we’re running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where’s the light? ” And on cue, the light came on. “SURPRISE!!!” We find the library filled with ponies we don’t even know. They all have friendly faces so it shouldn’t be bad. Out of all these ponies that are happy, the bouncing pink earth pony is definitely the happiest. She was also the same pony that Twilight and I met the minute we arrived in Ponyville. Even though she gasped upon seeing Twilight and zoomed away. Anyway, she bounced her way over here to greet us. “Surprise! Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?” “Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet.” “Well, that’s silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all ‘Hello’ and I was all,” she inhaled her lungs to their fullest extent, “remember? Ya see I never saw you before and if I’ve never saw you before that means you’re new, ’cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!” Twilight only let a barely audible groan. My guess was that Pinkie’s mile-a-minute speech was getting to her. “And if you’re new, that meant you never met anypony yet, and if you haven’t met anypony yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don’t have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that’s why I went,” she sucked in another of her famous deep gaps. “I must throw a great big, ginormous, super-duper spectacular welcome party and everypony in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!” Then the five other ponies we met today gathered behind, and Pinkie bounced over. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Acrylic and… RARITY! I soon found myself lost in my own gaze towards her eyes that I just barely noticed Twilight’s face turn red and her eyes watering. “Are you all right, sugar cube?” Applejack asked. Without answering, Twilight took off, storming up the stairs. “Aww, she’s so happy she’s crying!” Pinkie Pie beamed. I picked up the bottle Twilight had taken a drink from. “Hot sauce?” “Ooh.” Pinkie Pie tipped the bottle over to dump the stuff until it completely coated a cupcake. She then proceeded to stuff the whole thing in her mouth. “What? It’s good!” We all rolled our eyes at her. Acrylic then kindly asked, “Your friend isn’t much a ponies’ pony, is she?” I responded, “You have no idea.” Acrylic’s P.O.V: I waited for Twilight to come back down for a good ten minutes before giving up and returning to the games. I hadn’t really gotten a chance to actually socialize with her. Rarity had kind of taken over the whole operation. Spike, on the other hoof, I found to be extremely fun, and he took part in all the activities Pinkie Pie had planned. There was no shortage of those, because we were staying up all night in order to be ready for the Celebration early in the morning. Pinkie Pie had saved her favorite for last: pin the tail on the pony. “I wonder where that Twilight’s gotten off to,” Applejack wondered as the blindfold was tied around her eyes. “Yeah. She’s missing out on all the fun!” Pinkie exclaimed. “I’ll go see if she wants to play,” Spike dutifully offered, marching off. HE looked rather comical with an excessively oversized hat he’d won as a prize seated over his head. He kept bumping into ponies’ legs along the way with the cover over his eyes. Spike returned just as we were all filing out the door. “Twilight didn’t want to play. Hey! Where’s everypony going?” he asked disappointedly. “It’s time for the Summer Sun Celebration. We’re going to Town Hall to watch the Princess raise the sun!” I gleefully offered. Rarity had me worked up over the event. This was my first Summer Sun Celebration. I wanted it to be the best ever! “Oh, okay! I’ll get Twilight!” he dashed off faster than the first time; partly his new hat flew off in his haste. Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and I all waited for the new girl by the door, and we headed out together. As I looked at Twilight Sparkle, I began to compare my first day in Ponyville to hers. I can see that she wants to attend to business for the Princess but that mare did not seem to care about making friends. She was only visiting for one day and wants nothing to do with us. When I was welcomed to Ponyville, I was filled with joy knowing that I have found great friends. I just wanted to do the same thing for somepony else and I know Twilight is capable of having friends. I just wish to help her know that she is willing. We found a good spot in the crowd, where it wasn’t quite so packed. Rarity was not with us on the floor; as head of decorations, she had the honor of lifting the curtain for none other than the Princess herself. Fluttershy had gone to conduct her birds for the opening ceremony, but even Rainbow Dash took to the air with some pegasi to conserve floor space. Pinkie didn’t seem at all concerned about saving space, and earned herself a wide bubble of open floor by her erratic bouncing. “Isn’t this exciting? Are you excited, ‘cause I’m excited, I’ve never been so excited—well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went,” she swallowed as much air as I had seen her do yet. “But I mean really, who can top that?” I giggled out of excitement, though Twilight groaned. I tried to ignore her. I wasn’t going to let her negativity spoil my first elebration. Fluttershy started her birds, and the spotlight shifted to the center of the stage. All went quiet as we waited for the ceremony to begin. “Fillies and gentlecolts,” Ivory Scroll began, “as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” I stomped my hooves as loudly as I could along with every other pony in the Town Hall. “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria...” Fluttershy prepared her birds and Rarity yanked the curtain. AS the spotlight moved to the balcony platform, though, nothing but empty space was brought to light. I nickered in confusion. Everypony else was letting out frightened murmurs and gasps. The mayor was worried, so I was worried. “This can’t be good.” Twilight flattened her ears and sank to the floor. “Please remain calm, everypony.” Ivory Scroll attempted to soothe. “There must be a reasonable explanation.” “Ooh, ohh! I love guessing games? Is she hiding?” Pinkie bounced. “She’s gone!” Rarity reported, returning to the balcony from checking the back. “Ooh, she’s good,” Pinkie declared, brows furrowed in a determined, mischievous manner. Seeing this would have been the first time I see the Princess, she would enter with grace. But it is very unlikely so I worriedly told Pinkie, “I don’t think this is a game Pinkie.” Her expression changed to one of fright as her baby blue eyes returned to the balcony. She led us in squealing in terror as the swirling, writhing mass of a blue shadowy entity began to form. From it soon burst a dark black alicorn with slightly bat-shaped feathered wings. Purple eye shadow lined her turquoise dragon-like eyes. She wore menacing, cold blue armor that left no space for her mane and tail, though that did nothing to dissuade the blue purple from sticking to her. These entities were formless, but gave the impression of constantly blowing hair. Her cutie mark was that of the crescent moon behind a swatch of night sky that looked suspiciously like my purple blob of paint. Even more conspicuous was how closely the cutie mark as a whole resembled that of Princess Luna’s of old. I tried desperately to remember the old pony tales my parents told me, but failed to recall anything helpful. “Oh no! Nightmare Moon,” Twilight gasped. Spike promptly fainted and toppled off of her back. “Oh, my beloved subjects,” the alicorn, hissed in an attempted sickeningly sweet voice. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious, little sun-loving faces.” Honestly. Her voice was strong and true, yet there was coldness and hatred that made it a silent whisper to my ears. That scared me inside as if the alicorn believes she means no harm towards us. “What did you do with our princess?” Rainbow Dash instantly accused. “Whoa, there, Nelly,” Applejack got a grip on her tail before the Pegasus charged off to do something she’d regret. The alicorn only chuckled with dry amusement. “Why? Am I not royalty enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” “Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games! Pinkie elatedly cried. “Um, Hokey Smokes! How about… Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty!” Applejack promptly shoved an apple in her mouth in a successful attempt to get her to be quiet. The alicorn shoved her face almost against Fluttershy’s, scaring off the birds and making the young Pegasus wish she could turn invisible. “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” She switched over to Rarity; coddling her chin with the incredibly malleable mass of energy she called a mane. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” “I did.” Twilight stepped up, and all eyes turned to her. “And I know who you are. You’re the Mare in the Moon! Nightmare Moon!” We all gasped. I’d heard her say that, but I thought it was just some kind of Canterlot outburst. I didn’t think she really meant it was Nightmare Moon in front of us! Even I knew she was bad news. “Well, well, well, somepony who remembers me. Then you know why I’m here.” “You’re here to… to…” She couldn’t seem to be able to bring herself to finish the sentence. She let out a loud gulp instead. Nightmare Moon only laughed and eyed Twilight. “Leave her alone!” I suddenly realized my thought just became words that carried over to every pony’s ears. I could not evade the gaze of Nightmare Moon’s moonlit eyes the next second. “Do you dare resist me, little one!?!” Her wicked yet patient voice boomed into one full of rage. I never felt this frightened in my life. Even if I wanted to say anything else to her, I couldn’t because I felt petrified. All I could do was lower my head and step away in fear. Nightmare Moon took my action as an answer. “I guess not. Remember this day, my little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!” Maniacal laughter then ensued, and thunder crashed from above. Lightning ripped across the sky for emphasis as a swirling vortex of wind surrounding Nightmare Moon and made her look more terrifying than ever. I shrank back, shuddering in the alicorn’s commanding presence.